Customizable fishing lure system and accompanying apparatus

ABSTRACT

A customized fishing lure system having a lip, leading portion, trailing portion, body portion, a hook and connection mechanism. The lip being adapted to provide resistance when said fishing lure is moved within water. The leading portion being positioned towards the leading portion of said fishing lure. The trailing portion being positioned towards the trailing portion of said fishing lure. The body portion being positioned between said leading portion and said trailing portion. The hook being attached to said fishing lure. The first connection mechanism adapted to releasably engage said lip to said leading portion. 
     A plurality of packaging and marketing embodiments intended to accentuate the benefits of the present invention.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/918,024 which was filed on Mar. 18, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a customizable fishing lure system andaccompanying apparatus. More specifically, this invention relates to afishing lure system that allows one to construct a variety of fishinglures dependent on the immediate need. Further, such customized fishinglure system provides unique marketing and point-of-sale opportunities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The sport of fishing requires a unique balance of art, science and luck.And while luck will always play a role, advancements in art and sciencewill increase the odds that fish will be caught. Accordingly,manufacturers have designed many different color and shaped fishinglures to provide a wide variety of artistically-pleasing options. As aresult, the consumer is bombarded and confused by a barrage of hundredsof lures, each touting their superior design. Consequently, consumersoften buy a sampling of a dozen or more different lures and then filltheir over-sized tacklebox with an uncertain confidence that they'vemade the right decisions.

So now on the water, the consumer/angler undoubtedly will convincehimself that the blue-colored, large-sized, medium-lip, rattling lure isthe right choice. And perhaps he will even catch a fish or two with it.But then comes the inevitable . . . the lure gets damaged or lost. Thenwhat? All the remaining blue lures in his box are small in size and havesmall lips; as such, they won't dive deep enough to get to where thefish are. And all his rattling lures are either yellow or orange. Whatto do?

What is needed is a customizable fishing lure system that allows theangler to construct or repair a customizable lure under real-timeconditions in such a manner that provides flexibility and versatility.

What is further needed is a customizable fishing lure system that allowsa manufacturer to uniquely market and a consumer to easily select acombination of nearly unlimited options. Such a customizable fishinglure system should reduce necessary shelf-space for themanufacturer/retailer and tacklebox-space for the consumer.Additionally, such a customizable fishing lure system and accompanyingmarketing approaches/displays prove a unique and satisfying shoppingexperience that results in a greater confidence and less personalreliance on luck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fishing lure having a lip, leading portion, trailing portion, bodyportion, a hook and connection mechanism. The lip being adapted toprovide resistance when said fishing lure is moved within water. Theleading portion being positioned towards the leading portion of saidfishing lure. The trailing portion being positioned towards the trailingportion of said fishing lure. The body portion being positioned betweensaid leading portion and said trailing portion. The hook being attachedto said fishing lure. The first connection mechanism adapted toreleasably engage said lip to said leading portion. The lure may includea second connection mechanism adapted to releasably engage said trailingportion to said body portion. The lure may include a third connectionmechanism adapted to releasably engage said leading portion to said bodyportion. The hook may be adapted to be releasably engaged to the fishinglure. The lure may include a cavity portion adapted to house at leastone characteristic-producing element.

A fishing lure having a lip, a leading portion, a trailing portion, abody portion and a hook. The lip being adapted to provide resistancewhen said fishing lure is moved within water. The leading portion beingpositioned towards the leading portion of said fishing lure. Thetrailing portion being positioned towards the trailing portion of saidfishing lure. The body portion being positioned between said leadingportion and said trailing portion. The hook being attached to saidfishing lure. The lip may be adapted to be moved inwardly and outwardlyfrom said leading portion in such a manner so as to change the amount ofsurface area exposed externally which may alter the movement propertiesof said fishing lure. The lure may include a lever which may be actuatedto cause a stop to engage or disengage a first engaging surface so as topermit or inhibit the movement of said lip.

A lip for use with a fishing lure having a ruder portion and a lockingportion. The ruder portion being adapted to provide resistance when thefishing lure is moved within water. The locking portion being releasablyengageable to a mating portion within the fishing lure. The lip mayinclude a reservoir inlet, a reservoir and a reservoir outlet wherein asubstance may be introduced through reservoir inlet for temporarystorage within said reservoir and ultimate dispensing through saidreservoir outlet for dissemination into the water for attracting fish.The lip may include a reservoir and at least one reservoir elements,wherein said reservoir elements provide altering properties of said lip.The reservoir elements may be selected from a group consisting ofweights, glass beads, ceramic balls, plastic pellets and anycombinations thereof. The lip may include an illumination element. Thelip may include a fracture section adapted to allow a front portion ofsaid ruder portion to be broken away. The lip may include a pivotingsection adapted to allow a front portion of said ruder portion to bepivoted. The lip may include ruder portion which is non-linear. Theruder portion may be substantially flat and plug-shaped so as to plugthe otherwise opening within the fishing lure in such a way to provide alip with minimal exposure. The lip may be adapted to cause the fishinglure to be retracted in a non-linear path. The lip may include a firstlip portion and a second lip portion, wherein the first lip is adaptedto increase drag as compared to the drag imparted on the second lipportion.

A fishing lure having a connection mechanism which is substantiallycovered by a connection cover. The connection cover may be made toappear as fish-like features. The connection cover may be made to extendbeyond the perimeter of the fishing lure so as to appear as fins or thelike.

A fishing lure having a lip, leading portion, trailing portion, bodyportion, hook and a connection mechanism. The lip being adapted toprovide resistance when said fishing lure is moved within water. Theleading portion being positioned towards the leading portion of saidfishing lure. The trailing portion being positioned towards the trailingportion of said fishing lure. The body portion being positioned betweensaid leading portion and said trailing portion. The hook being attachedto said fishing lure. The first connection mechanism adapted toreleasably engage said lip to said body portion.

A fishing lure system having at least one fishing lure, at least one lipand a package for substantially containing the lure and the lip. Thesystem may also include a communication which describes at least onerecommendation for combining said fishing lure and said lip for targetedfishing. The system may include a plurality of said fishing lures and aplurality of recommendations for targeted fishing. The plurality of saidfishing lures may contain at least two different types of fishing lures.The fishing lure system having a plurality of lips and a plurality ofrecommendations for targeted fishing. The fishing lure system having aplurality of lips which contains at least two different types of lips.

A fishing lure system having a fishing lure having an extendable lip anda package. The package may be adapted to substantially contain thefishing lure, wherein the package may be adapted to allow the extendablelip to be moved at a point-of-sale. The package may include a backpaneland a package cover, wherein the backpanel and the package covertogether substantially encapsulates the fishing lure, wherein thepackage cover includes an opening such that the extendable lip may beextended and/or retracted therethrough at a point-of-sale.

A fishing lure retail display having a panel, at least one fishing lure;at least one extendable lure tether, wherein the lure tether is attachedto the panel and the lure therebetween; at least one lip; at least oneextendable lip tether; wherein the lip tether is attached to the paneland the lip therebetween; and a communication which describes at leastone recommendation for combining the fishing lure and lip for targetedfishing.

A fishing product recommendation system having a user interface. Theuser interface having communication which is directed at acquiringfishing related information and upon collection of the informationproviding a fishing product recommendation for targeted fishing. Thefishing product recommendation system may be selected from a groupconsisting of internet website, kiosk, point-of-sale communication andcomputer software. The communication may be directed at obtaininginformation related to a particular fishing experience of the angler soas to track the performance of particular fishing products. Thecommunication may be directed at obtaining information related to aparticular fishing experience of the angler so as to order new lures toreplace lures lost during said experience.

A fishing lure having a leading portion, a trailing portion, a hook anda first connection mechanism. The leading portion may be positionedtowards the leading portion of the fishing lure. The trailing portionmay be positioned towards the trailing portion of the fishing lure. Thehook may be attached to the fishing lure. The first connection mechanismmay be adapted to releasably engage the leading portion to the trailingportion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as thepresent invention, it is believed that the invention will be more fullyunderstood from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. None of the drawings are necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a fishing lure in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 1 b is an exploded view of the fishing lure of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 c is a bottom view of the fishing lure of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 d is an exploded view of the fishing lure of FIG. 1 c;

FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of another fishing lure in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 b is a bottom view of the fishing lure of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2 c is a bottom, exploded view of the fishing lure of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2 d is a right-side elevational, exploded view of the fishing lureof FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2 e is a perspective, exploded view of the fishing lure of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 2 f is a bottom, perspective exploded view of the fishing lure ofFIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 a is a top view of another fishing lure in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of the fishing lure of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3 c is a bottom, exploded view of the fishing lure of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3 d is a perspective, exploded view of the fishing lure of FIG. 3a;

FIG. 3 e is a right-side elevational view of the fishing lure of FIG. 3a;

FIG. 3 f is a top, perspective view of a lip in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 g is a bottom, perspective view of the lip of FIG. 3 f;

FIG. 3 h is a right-side elevational view of the lip of FIG. 3 f;

FIG. 3 j is a front elevational view of the lip of FIG. 3 f;

FIG. 3 k is a top view of the lip of FIG. 3 f;

FIG. 3 l is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A within FIG. 3 k;

FIG. 3 m is a front elevational view of the fishing lure of FIG. 3 awith the lip in place;

FIG. 3 n is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A within FIG. 3 m;

FIG. 3 p is a front elevational view of the fishing lure of FIG. 3 awith the lip removed;

FIG. 3 q is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A within FIG. 3 p;

FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of another fishing lure in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 4 b is a right-side elevational view of the fishing lure of FIG. 4a;

FIG. 4 c is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis ofthe fishing lure of FIG. 4 b;

FIG. 4 d is a close-up view of the circled-region 4710 of the fishinglure of FIG. 4 c;

FIG. 4 e is a perspective, cross-sectional view taken along thelongitudinal axis of the fishing lure of FIG. 4 b;

FIG. 4 f is a right-side perspective view of the lip within FIG. 4 e;

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of a lip in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 b is a top view of the lip of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 c is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis ofthe lip of FIG. 5 b;

FIG. 6 a is a perspective view of another lip in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 b is a top view of the lip of FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 6 c is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis ofthe lip of FIG. 6 b;

FIG. 7 a is a perspective view of another lip in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 b is a top view of the lip of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7 c is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis ofthe lip of FIG. 7 b;

FIG. 7 d is a perspective view of another lip in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 e is a right-side elevational view of another lip in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 7 f is a right-side elevational view of another lip in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 7 g is a right-side elevational view of another lip in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 7 h is a top view of another lip in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 i is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 7 h;

FIG. 8 a is a right-side elevational, exploded view of another fishinglure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 b is a right-side elevational, exploded view of the fishing lureof FIG. 8 a having connection covers;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a fishing lure system in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 a is a top view of another fishing lure system in accordancewith the present invention, wherein the lip is in a retracted position;

FIG. 10 b is a top view of the fishing lure system of FIG. 10 a, whereinthe lip is in an extended position;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a fishing lure retail display in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a fishing product recommendation system lureretail display in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 a is a top, exploded view of another fishing lure in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 13 b is a top, exploded view of another fishing lure in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 13 c is a top, exploded view of another fishing lure in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 14 a is a right side, elevational view of another fishing lure inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 b is a right side, elevational view of another fishing lure inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 c is a right side, elevational view of another fishing lure inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 a is a left side, elevational view of another fishing lure inaccordance with the present invention having a ball and socketconnection mechanism shown in a non-engaged position;

FIG. 15 b shows the lure of FIG. 15 a in an engaged position;

FIG. 15 c shows a top view of a first connection portion suitable foruse with the lure of FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 15 d shows a top view of a first connection portion suitable foruse with the lure of FIG. 15 a; and

FIG. 15 e shows a top view of a first connection portion suitable foruse with the lure of FIG. 15 a;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 a shows a non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure embodiment inaccordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishing lure1000 may comprise of a lip 1100, a leading portion 1200, a body portion1300, a trailing portion 1400 and at least one hook 1450. Each of saidcomponents being directly and/or indirectly engageable in such a way soas to provide a customizable fishing lure. For example, a firstconnection mechanism 1710 may be provided so as to engage lip 1100 tothe leading portion 1200. Similarly, a second connection mechanism 1720may be used to engage trailing portion 1400 to body portion 1300. As maybe appreciated by one skilled in the art, fishing lure 1000 may beconstructed in a variety of ways when a variety of said components areprovided. FIG. 1 b shows an exploded view of fishing lure 1000 from FIG.1 a. As can be seen, first connection mechanism 1710 may comprise of amale connection portion 1710 a and a female connection portion 1710 b.Similarly, said second connection mechanism 1720 may comprise of a maleconnection portion 1720 b and a female connection portion 1720 b. FIG. 1c shows the underneath view of FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 d shows theunderneath said of FIG. 1 b.

FIG. 2 a shows another non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure embodimentin accordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishinglure 2000 may comprise of a lip 2100, a leading portion 2200, a bodyportion 2300, a trailing portion 2400 and at least one hook 2452. Eachof said components being directly and/or indirectly engageable in such away so as to provide a customizable fishing lure. For example, a firstconnection mechanism 2710 which may allow lip 2100 to be engaged toleading portion 2200, second connection mechanism 2720 may allow bodyportion 2300 to be engaged to trailing portion 2400 and a thirdconnection mechanism 2730 which may allow leading portion 2200 to beengaged to body portion 2300. Accordingly, fishing lure 2000 providesyet an additional variable (i.e., third connections mechanism 2300) togive the fishing angler additional customizable configurations.Additionally, fishing lure 2000 is shown with an optional second hook2450 to provide yet another optional configuration. FIG. 2 b shows anunderneath perspective view of fishing lure 2000 from FIG. 2 a. FIG. 2c-2 f provide exploded views of fishing lure 2000.

FIG. 3 a shows yet another non-limiting, exemplary fishing lureembodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically,fishing lure 3000 may comprise of a lip 3100, a leading portion 3200, abody 3300, and a trailing portion 3400. Each of said components beingdirectly and/or indirectly engageable in such a way so as to provide acustomizable fishing lure. Said lip 3100 may comprise a male connection3710 a which is adapted to mate with a female connection portion 3710 b;of course, one skilled in the art would appreciate that obviousvariations of such mating connections may be incorporated. In addition,fishing lure 3000 may include a cavity portion 3800 to provide yetadditional configuration options for the angler. Said cavity portion maybe used to house a variety of elements which will be discussed later ingreater detail. FIG. 3 b shows a perspective view of fishing lure 3000.FIG. 3 c shows an underneath, perspective view of fishing lure 3000,wherein lip 3100 has not yet been inserted into leading portion 3200.FIG. 3 d shows an upper, perspective view of fishing lure 3000, whereinlip 3100 is not yet been inserted into leading portion 3200. FIG. 3 dshows a side elevational view of fishing lure 3000, wherein lip 3100 hasbeen inserted into leading portion 3200.

FIG. 3 f shows an upper, perspective view of lip 3100. FIG. 3 g shows anunderneath perspective view of lip 3100. FIG. 3 h shows a right sideelevational view of lip 3100. FIG. 3 j shows a front elevational view oflip 3100. FIG. 3 k shows a top view of the lip 3100. Said lip 3100 shownhaving a paddle-shaped design, although a wide variety of designs arecontemplated herein. FIG. 3 l shows a cross-sectional view of lip 3100from FIG. 3 k, wherein the male connection portion 3710 a may be furtherappreciated by one skilled in the art.

FIG. 3 m shows a front elevational view of fishing lure 3000 wherein lip3100 having been inserted into leading portion 3200. FIG. 3 n shows across-sectional view taken a long line A-A of FIG. 3 m. As can be seen,lip 3100 having a male connection portion 3710 a may be inserted andreleasably engaged to leading portion 3200 and mated with femaleconnection portion 3710 b. FIG. 3 p shows a front elevational view offishing lure 3000 wherein lip 3100 has not yet been inserted. FIG. 3 pis provided to give further appreciation of the female connectionportion 3710 b. Female connection portion 3710 b may be furtherappreciated within cross-sectional view in FIG. 3 q which is taken alongcross-sectional line B-B within FIG. 3 p.

FIG. 4 a shows yet another non-limiting, exemplary fishing lureembodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically,fishing lure 4000 may comprise of a lip 4100, a leading portion 4200, abody portion 4300, and a trailing portion 4400. Each of said componentsbeing directly and/or indirectly engageable in such a way so as toprovide a customizable fishing lure. Said lip 4100 may be moved inwardlyand outwardly from leading portion 4200 in such a manner as to changethe amount of surface area exposed externally which may alter themovement properties of lure 4000. For example, the more that said lip4100 is externally exposed, the deeper that said lure 4000 may dive intothe water upon being moved within the water. Of course, one skilled inthe art would appreciate that obvious variations of such inward/outwardmovement may be incorporated. Further, one skilled in the art wouldappreciate that obvious variations of changing the amount of exposedsurface area, pitch or angle may also be incorporated. Accordingly,FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show a lever 4712 which may be actuated to cause stop4714 to engage or disengage a first engaging surface 4717 so as topermit or inhibit the movement of said lip 4100. As can be appreciatedin FIGS. 4 c and 4 d, the lever mechanism 4710 may include a fulcrum4713 that permits the actuation of lever 4712. In addition, a secondengaging surface 4719 may be include and adapted to engage with saidfirst engaging surface 4717 to provide additional structural integrityand engagement locking. Referring now to FIGS. 4 e and 4 f, said firstengaging surface 4717 and said second engaging surface 4719 are shown tohave mating grooves; however, one skilled in the art would appreciatethat obvious variations of mating surfaces may also be incorporated.

Additionally, fishing lure 4000 may also comprise a first connectionmechanism 4720 which may be provided so as to engage leading portion4200 to body portion 4300 and/or a second connection mechanism 4730which may be provided so as to body portion 4300 to trailing portion4400. As may be appreciated by one skilled in the art, fishing lure 4000may be constructed in a variety of ways when a variety of saidcomponents are provided.

FIGS. 5 a-5 c show a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment inaccordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip 5000 maycomprise of a ruder portion 5100, a locking portion 5710 a, a reservoirinlet 5990, a reservoir 5994 and a reservoir outlet 5992. Said lip 5000may be filled with a substance (e.g., fragrant solution) by introductionthrough reservoir inlet 5990, temporary storage in reservoir 5994 andultimate dispensing through reservoir outlet 5992 for dissemination intothe water for attracting fish. Locking portion 5710 a may be adapted toengage with the leading portion (or like portion) of the fishing lure.One skilled in the art would appreciate that obvious variations ofshape, size, design, engagement, etc. may be incorporated.

FIGS. 6 a-6 c show a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment inaccordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip 6000 maycomprise of a ruder portion 6100, a locking portion 6710 a, a reservoir6994 and a reservoir elements 6990. Said reservoir 6994 may be occupiedwith said reservoir elements 6990 so as to provide altering propertiesof said lip 6000. For example, reservoir elements 6990 may be roundweights that are permitted to move about within said reservoir 6994,wherein such movement causes the fishing lure to alter its overallmovement. Causing the fishing lure to move in such a manner may resultin more life-like movement or minimally in a non-traditional manner thatmay attract fish. In another example, the inclusion of free movingcomponents (e.g., glass beads, ceramic balls, plastic pellets, etc.) maycontact each other and/or the inner walls of cavity 6994 causing theproduction of sound. This emitted sound can attract fish to the lure.Locking portion 6710 a may be adapted to engage with the leading portion(or like portion) of the fishing lure. One skilled in the art wouldappreciate that obvious variations of shape, size, design, engagement,etc. may be incorporated.

FIGS. 7 a-7 c show a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment inaccordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip 7000 maycomprise of a ruder portion 7100, a locking portion 7710 a, anillumination element 7290, a power source 7294 and asource-to-illumination connection 7292. Said illumination element 7290may be adapted to provide illumination which is visible to fish and thusattract them. Said power source 7294 may be adapted to be disposableand/or replaceable. Locking portion 7710 a may be adapted to engage withthe leading portion (or like portion) of the fishing lure. One skilledin the art would appreciate that obvious variations of shape, size,design, engagement, etc. may be incorporated. In addition, one skilledin the art would appreciate that obvious variations of level, color,flashing, continuance, etc. for the illumination may be incorporated.

FIGS. 7 d shows a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordancewith the present invention. More specifically, lip 7300 may comprise ofa ruder portion 7305, a locking portion 7310 a and a fracture section7320. Locking portion 7310 a may be adapted to engage with the leadingportion (or like portion) of the fishing lure. Fracture section 7320 maybe adapted so as to allow a ruder front portion 7305 f of the ruderportion 7305 to be broken away. For example, if the ruder front portion7305 f were to get caught in underwater weeds, excess retraction force(e.g., pulling harder on the fishing rod) may be exerted to cause rudeportion 7305 to break along fracture section 7320; thus, ruder frontportion 7305 f will be left stuck in the weeds while the remainderportion of the fishing lure may be retrieved. Once retrieved, the brokenlip may be replaced with a new lip. While this embodiment shows fracturesection 7320 is shown as a fracture line, one skilled in the art wouldappreciate that obvious variations of shape, size, location, etc. may beincorporated.

FIGS. 7 e shows a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordancewith the present invention. More specifically, lip 7400 may comprise ofa ruder portion 7405, a locking portion 7410 a and a pivoting section7406. Locking portion 7410 a may be adapted to engage with the leadingportion (or like portion) of the fishing lure. Pivoting section 7406 maybe adapted so as to allow a front portion of the ruder portion 7405 tobe pivoted, as for example, between ruder portion positions 7405 a and7405 b. Such pivoting motion may provide more life-like lure retrievingmotions or other desirable motions.

FIGS. 7 f shows a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordancewith the present invention. More specifically, lip 7500 may comprise ofa curved ruder portion 7505 and a locking portion 7510. Lip 7500 isprovided to illustrate the various shapes and configurations of lips inaccordance with the present invention, as appreciated by one skilled inthe art.

FIGS. 7 g shows a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment in accordancewith the present invention. More specifically, lip 7600 may comprise ofa flat portion 7605 and a locking portion 7610. This particular lip 7600may be used to plug the otherwise opening within the fishing lure insuch a way to provide a lip with minimal exposure. When lip 7600 is usedto plug said opening, the fishing lure can be retrieved with minimalresistance in the water, thus allowing said lure to raise more towardsthe top of the water.

FIGS. 7 h and 7 i show a non-limiting, exemplary lip embodiment inaccordance with the present invention. More specifically, lip 7700 maycomprise a first lip portion 7705 a, a second lip portion 7705 b and alocking portion 7710 a. Lip 7700 is adapted to be retrieved on anon-linear path back to the angler or fishing pole. Such non-linearretrieve may be desirable, for example, when trolling. As can beappreciated from FIG. 7 i, which is taken along cross-sectional line A-Awithin FIG. 7 h, the first lip portion 7705 a may be tapered to increasedrag on its side of lip 7705 as compared to the drag imparted on secondlip portion 7705 b, thus causing lip 7700 to deflect on an angle whenpulled through the water. With the teachings herein, one skilled in theart would appreciate that other lip designs causing differing drag maybe used to cause the lure to retrieve in a non-linear manner.

While the above embodiments have illustrated a variety of lip design inaccordance with the present invention, one skilled in the art wouldappreciate additional lip designs which would be in keeping with theteachings of the present invention. For instance, the lips may vary in avariety of physical characteristics which may alter the fishing lure'sperformance. For example, the lip may be made of a substantially heavymaterial so as to cause the fishing lure to dive deeply into the water.In another example, the lip may have a particular color(s) to match thedesired fishing conditions (e.g., an injured fish; fish spawning, etc.).In another example, the lip may be made to look like other bodysegments, for example, legs of a frog or transforming tadpole.

While the above embodiments have been shown to have their connectionportions exposed (as exemplified in FIG. 8 a), one skilled in the artwould appreciate that said connection portions may be substantiallycovered by connection covers 2750, 2752, as exemplified in FIG. 8 b. Forexample, connection covers 2750, 2752 may be constructed of athermoplastic elastomer or any like material that has flexibleproperties. In addition, said connection covers may be made to appear asfish-like features including, but not limited to, gills, scales, injuredportions, etc. . . . Further, said connection covers may be made toextend beyond the perimeter of the fishing lure so as to appear as finsor the like. Still further, it should be noted that any section of thecustomizable fishing lure can be produced using molding techniques thatincorporate multiple materials of construction. The combination ofmaterials (plastics, rubber, metal, ceramic, etc.) using moldingtechniques known in the art (insert molding, co-molding, etc.) may allowoptimization of the aesthetics, security of part fitment, scentretention, flexibility or optical qualities of the part(s).

FIG. 9 shows a non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure system embodiment inaccordance with the present invention. More specifically, fishing luresystem 8000 may comprise of at least one fishing lure 8102, at least onelip 8203 and a package 8300. In addition, fishing lure system 8000 mayalso comprise a communication 8600 which describes recommendations forcombining fishing lures and lips for targeted fishing. FIG. 9 shows afirst fishing lure 8102, a second fishing lure 8104 and a third fishinglure 8106, wherein at least one of said lures is different from another.For example, lure 8106 is smaller than 8104 which is smaller than lure8102. Labels 8302, 8304, 8306 which may be used to emphasis thedifference between said lures. Similarly, FIG. 9 shows a first pluralityof first lips 8203, a second plurality of second lips 8205 and a thirdplurality of third lips 8207, wherein at least one of said lips isdifferent from another lip. For example, first lips 8203 are smallerthan second lips 8205 which are smaller than third lips 8207. Labels8403, 8405, 8407 may be used to emphasis the difference between saidlips. Lastly, package 8300 may also comprise of a panel 8500 having atleast one hole 8502 which permit said package to be displayed on a pegboard type display within a retail store.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b show a non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure systemembodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically,fishing lure system 9000 may comprise a fishing lure 9300 having anextendable lip 9202 a, a backpanel 9100 and a package cover 9200.Referring now to FIG. 10 a, extendable lip 9202 a is shown in aretracted position, wherein the amount of exposed lip surface area isminimized. Referring now to FIG. 10 b, extendable lip 9202 b is shown inan extended position, wherein the amount of exposed lip surface area ismaximized. Fishing lure system 9000 allows the shopping customer to feeland extend the lip prior to purchasing; such a point-of-sale interactionshould result in increased sales of said fishing lure systems. Lastly,fishing lure system 9000 may also comprise of a backpanel 9502 having atleast one hole 9504 which permits said package to be displayed on a pegboard type display within a retail store.

FIG. 11 shows a non-limiting, exemplary fishing lure retail displayembodiment in accordance with the present invention. More specifically,fishing lure retail display 9600 may comprise at least one fishing lure9602 having an extendable tether 9612, at least one lip 9622 and acommunication 9650 which describes recommendations for combining fishinglures and lips for targeted fishing. FIG. 11 shows a first fishing lure9602, a second fishing lure 9604 and a third fishing lure 9606, whereinat least one of said lures is different from another. For example, lure9606 is smaller than 9604 which is fatter than lure 9602. Tethers 9616,9614, 9612 may be attached to said lures, respectively. Similarly, FIG.11 shows a first lips 9622, a second lip 9624 and a third lip 9626,wherein at least one of said lips is different from another lip. Forexample, first lip 9622 is smaller than second lips 9624 which aresmaller than third lip 9626. Tethers 9632, 9634, 9634 may be attached tosaid lips, respectively. As is illustrated, first lip 9622 can be movedfrom an initial position 9622 a to an engaged position 9622 b, whereinsaid tether 9632 can be extended from an initial position 9632 a to anengaged position 9632 b.

FIG. 12 shows a non-limiting, exemplary fishing product recommendationsystem having a user input interface embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention. More specifically, user input interface 9700 may betake a variety of forms including, but not limited to, an internetwebsite, kiosk, point-of-sale communication and computer software. Saidinterface 9700 may comprise of a communication 9710 which is directed atacquiring information to assist in a product recommendation 9720 orassistance. For example, communication 9710 may comprise of a variety ofquestions used to identify the recommend fishing lure system for thedesired fishing experience. With said recommendation, the consumer canbetter select the right fishing lure system within the retail store.Additionally, the consumer may be able to use such interface on theinternet and then have the recommend products delivered. Even further,after returning from the fishing trip, the angler can record which luresdid better than others so as to track performance. The angler may alsoindicate which lures were lost so that a new product order may beinitiated. With the teachings of this disclosure, one skilled in the artwould appreciate other variations directed at achieving the overallresult of educations, assisting and selling to the others.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that many of thedisclosed features illustrated within the body of the fishing lure mayalso be applied to other segments of the lure, as exampled in FIGS. 13a-c. More specifically, FIG. 13 a shows the inclusion of rattles in eachof the segments. FIG. 13 b shows the inclusion of weights in each of thesegments. FIG. 13 c shows the inclusion of fluorescent materials in eachof the segments. Further, if each segment were made via a process thatallowed a cavity within the part, a variety of other elements may beutilized including, but not limited to, sound producing mechanisms,light emission, or weight/weight differential mechanisms.

For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the segmentsof the fishing lure may be produced from one or more materialsincorporating varying rigidity, flexibility, weight and/or buoyancy.Further, materials that exhibit ecological advantages, such aspolylactic acid (PLA) that will biodegrade overtime if lost into thewater, may be incorporated. Even further, materials that are made frompost consumer recycle substances may be incorporated as such fact isoften deemed desirable to the common nature-loving angler.

For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the segmentsmay be engaged in a variety of configurations. For example, hooks may beplaced on a variety of locations (trailing portion, body, leadingportion, etc.). For example, male and female connections may bereversed. Further, other suitable types of connections may be used toengage segments.

For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the segmentsmay be of varying sizes, lengths and designs. For example, the lip maybe designed to extend beyond the leading portion, extend equal to theleading portion and/or extend short of the leading portion. Fishinglures with such varying lips are often referred to as different types ofbait (e.g., poppers having short lips to cause the lure to remain on thesurface or “pop” via the trapping of air between an upwardly exposed“cup shaped” lip and the water surface; crank baits having longer lipsto cause the lure to dive, etc.). Further, one skilled in the art wouldappreciate that the benefits of the present invention may be applied toother lures used in fishing; for example, lures commonly referred to asjig or spinner lures. See FIGS. 14 a-14 c for non-limiting, exemplaryembodiments. The lures in FIGS. 14 a-14 c comprise a leading portion9802, a trailing portion 9804 and a connection mechanism 9806 whichreleasably engages said leading portion and said trailing portion.Despite the often different fisherman and/or fishing conditions betweentraditional crank bait and jigs, the embodiments of the presentapplication demonstrate how the benefits of the present invention may beappreciated in a variety of lure types.

For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that a variety ofconnection mechanisms may be used in keeping with the teachings of thepresent invention. For example, FIGS. 15 a-15 b show a non-limiting,exemplary embodiment of a fishing lure having a trailing portion andbody connection mechanism which allows swivel or pivoting motion duringtravel through water. More specifically, FIG. 15 a shows said embodimentin a pre-engaged position and FIG. 15 b shows said embodiment in anengaged position. Said connection mechanism 9811 may be comprised of afirst connection portion 9811 a and a second connection portion 9811 bthat are releasably engageable so as to permit engagement anddisengagement without the need of a special tool such as a screw-driveror pliers. FIGS. 15 c-15 e show non-limiting, exemplary embodiments offirst connection portions.

1. A fishing lure comprising: a lip; said lip being adapted to provideresistance when said fishing lure is moved within water; a leadingportion, said leading portion being positioned towards the leadingportion of said fishing lure; a trailing portion, said trailing portionbeing positioned towards the trailing portion of said fishing lure; abody portion, said body portion being positioned between said leadingportion and said trailing portion; a hook, said hook being attached tosaid fishing lure; and a first connection mechanism adapted toreleasably engage said lip to said leading portion.
 2. The fishing lureof claim 1 further comprising a second connection mechanism adapted toreleasably engage said trailing portion to said body portion.
 3. Thefishing lure of claim 2 further comprising a third connection mechanismadapted to releasably engage said leading portion to said body portion.4. The fishing lure of claim 1 wherein said hook is adapted to bereleasably engaged to said fishing lure.
 5. The fishing lure of claim 1further comprising a cavity portion adapted to house at least onecharacteristic-producing element.
 6. A fishing lure comprising: a lip;said lip being adapted to provide resistance when said fishing lure ismoved within water; a leading portion, said leading portion beingpositioned towards the leading portion of said fishing lure; a trailingportion, said trailing portion being positioned towards the trailingportion of said fishing lure; a body portion, said body portion beingpositioned between said leading portion and said trailing portion; and ahook, said hook being attached to said fishing lure; wherein said lip isadapted to be moved inwardly and outwardly from said leading portion insuch a manner so as to change the amount of surface area exposedexternally which may alter the movement properties of said fishing lure.7. The fishing lure of claim 1 further comprising a lever which may beactuated to cause a stop to engage or disengage a first engaging surfaceso as to permit or inhibit the movement of said lip.
 8. A lip for usewith a fishing lure, said lip comprising: a ruder portion, said ruderportion being adapted to provide resistance when the fishing lure ismoved within water; and a locking portion, said locking portion beingreleasably engageable to a mating portion within the fishing lure. 9.The lip of claim 8 further comprising a reservoir inlet, a reservoir anda reservoir outlet, wherein a substance may be introduced throughreservoir inlet for temporary storage within said reservoir and ultimatedispensing through said reservoir outlet for dissemination into thewater for attracting fish.
 10. The lip of claim 8 further comprising areservoir and at least one reservoir elements, wherein said reservoirelements provide altering properties of said lip.
 11. The lip of claim10 wherein said reservoir elements may be selected from a groupconsisting of: weights, glass beads, ceramic balls, plastic pellets andany combinations thereof.
 12. The lip of claim 8 further comprising anillumination element.
 13. The lip of claim 8 further comprising afracture section adapted to allow a front portion of said ruder portionto be broken away.
 14. The lip of claim 8 further comprising a pivotingsection adapted to allow a front portion of said ruder portion to bepivoted.
 15. The lip of claim 8 wherein said ruder portion isnon-linear.
 16. The lip of claim 8 wherein said ruder portion issubstantially flat and plug-shaped so as to plug the otherwise openingwithin the fishing lure in such a way to provide a lip with minimalexposure.
 17. The lip of claim 8 wherein said lip is adapted to causethe fishing lure to be retracted in a non-linear path.
 18. The lip ofclaim 17 wherein said lip further comprises a first lip portion and asecond lip portion, wherein said first lip is adapted to increase dragas compared to the drag imparted on said second lip portion.
 19. Thefishing lure of claim 1 wherein said connection mechanism issubstantially covered by a connection cover.
 20. The fishing lure ofclaim 19 wherein said connection cover is made to appear as fish-likefeatures.